The 2025 NFL Draft is complete. For fans of the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants, your team has a potential quarterback of the future thanks to the first round of the draft. A further few teams took passers, but it may take time for them to become starting material, such as Jalen Milroe in Seattle.
This draft class was expected to be a down year for the quarterback position after a record-tying class in 2024. That group saw six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks, and all six are expected to start for their team this season.
Not every quarterback-needy team was able to fill that hole in the draft. Fanbases may be entering the 2025 NFL season feeling down about their team’s talent at the most important position in football.
It’s a bit early, but we’re here to provide you some hope. The 2026 NFL Draft looks poised to offer many starting-caliber quarterbacks. Even if a couple decide to return for another season instead of declaring for the 2026 draft, there are a handful who could go early in Round 1.
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Here are six quarterbacks to know for the 2026 NFL draft — and another three to keep an eye on.
Quarterbacks to know for 2026 NFL Draft
Arch Manning, Texas
The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch is stepping into his first full season as the starter for the Longhorns following Quinn Ewers’ departure. Manning is one of the most-hyped college football players in years, and could have a big year in 2025.
He offers much more mobility than either of his uncles and stands 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds with a strong arm with ideal touch. Barring a very surprising regression or major injury, Manning looks to be the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if he declares.
Drew Allar, Penn State
Allar chose to return for another season with the Nittany Lions and will have another chance to boost his draft stock in the 2025 college football season. Allar has elite tools that teams covet at the position: He’s a big body at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, with a powerful arm and play-extending mobility.
He made strides as a passer in 2024 under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. He pushes the ball downfield but doesn’t like to take big risks; he set an FBS record with 311 passes without an interception to start his career back in 2023. Another year of development could have him in the conversation for the No. 1 pick.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Only Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders threw more touchdowns than Klubnik did in 2024. The Clemson passer threw fewer interceptions than both in the process, with just six to Ward’s seven and Sanders’ 10.
Klubnik was the top quarterback recruit in his class for good reason. He’s a dual-threat quarterback with NFL size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds and improving his touch, especially downfield. He needs to continue developing his abilities as a pocket passer and should have a chance to on a talented Clemson squad.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Nussmeier, the son of a former New Orleans Saints quarterback Doug Nussmeier, is a gunslinger who waited behind Jayden Daniels to get his shot. In 2024, he was top five in the country by completions (337), attempts (525) and passing yards (4,052), but also interceptions (12).
Nussmeier can flash in dazzling passing displays thanks to his powerful arm. He’s not a true dual-threat quarterback, but can make throws on the move. He’ll need to show more growth in decision-making in 2025 but has plenty of arm talent and intangibles on his side.
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers eclipses Allar with the most exciting traits in this group. The 6-foot-3, 242-pound Sellers is a dual threat quarterback, as evidenced by his 75-yard touchdown run against LSU last season. The former soccer player has the tools to be an impressive NFL talent.
He has one of the strongest arms in the group with an easy, repeatable throwing motion. He notched 25 total touchdowns in his first season as a starter and should be in for another great season, due in part to dynamic Gamecocks receiver Nyck Harbor.
Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
Iamaleava transferred to UCLA from Tennessee in one of the biggest moves of the college football transfer portal in 2025. That will raise some concern and he may not end up declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. If he does, he will still be in consideration for the first round thanks to his physical tools.
Iamaleava stands 6-foot-6 with an elite arm and mobility. His quick release can generate power with little wasted motion. He could use some improvement with his footwork and mechanics overall but he has what NFL teams look for in a first-round pick at quarterback.
Other names to watch
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State: The Michigan State transfer helped power the Sun Devils’ Big 12 title in 2024. He offers great mobility in a 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame and makes few turnover-worthy plays.
Carson Beck, Miami: Beck took a step back in 2024 in many scouts’ eyes after Georgia lost a lot of talent to the NFL draft. Still, he has NFL size and has shown the ability to produce in a well-run offense.
Miller Moss, Louisville: The former USC starter transferred to Louisville ahead of 2025 with Tyler Shough on to the NFL. He’s slightly undersized but thrives on accuracy, a quick release and good mechanics.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL draft: Arch Manning, Drew Allar lead top QB prospects
